Hours/Duty Day

Hours

Substitute teachers are expected to be on duty the same length of time and work hours as the regular classroom teachers.  Schedules vary by school site. It is critical to pay attention to the job information in the substitute management system.

A daily substitute is entitled to a duty-free lunch. If there is a scheduled prep time it shall be used for assigned tasks, such as the correction of student work when the classroom teacher provides specific instructions, or other duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

Substitute teachers are paid either a ½ day or a full day. Half a day in Elementary is less than 3 ¼ hours. Half day in Secondary is less than 3 periods.

Leaving the Campus

The care and supervision of the students assigned to the substitute teacher is of paramount importance. At no time during the teacher duty day should the substitute teacher leave campus unless authorized to do so by a site administrator.

Substitute teachers must make arrangements for parking for the assigned day so as not to interrupt the teaching and supervision of students, and substitute teachers may not leave students unattended for any reason.

Punctuality

Substitutes should report to duty at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of school. Many experienced substitutes advise arriving at school 30 minutes before the start of school to allow time to find the office, sign in, find the classroom, locate the lesson plans, prepare the room and instructional materials, and otherwise prepare for a successful day of substitute teaching. The exact beginning and ending times for substitute teachers may vary from school to school, so be certain to note the start times carefully as indicated by the substitute management system. When in doubt, call the school the day before to verify the start time and to get directions to the school if needed. 

Reporting for Duty

Substitutes should report to the school office before assuming their duties in the classroom. While in the office, they should ask for a substitute’s folder or binder. Many schools have prepared folders or binders containing information such as the staff roster, school map, evacuation procedures, emergency plans, bell schedules, and list of key personnel. They should also ask if there are any special instructions or other information needed to carry out the day’s activities. Finally, they should locate where the absent teacher’s lesson plans are and request that the front office staff print them from Frontline, if necessary.